As the Broncos open training camp today, there will be a change at the weakside linebacker position. For the first time since he was the team’s first-round draft pick in 2004, D.J. Williams won’t be with the No. 1 defense.

His six-game suspension isn’t all bad for the Broncos.

First, the Broncos will save $1.76 million of his $5 million salary.

Second, Williams’ replacement Wesley Woodyard is a sideline to sideline tackling machine who, because he is undersized at 225 pounds, tends to wear down by season’s end.

So Woodyard plays ball for six games, maybe seven or eight as Williams works his way back into playing shape. And then, after the schedule lightens up some, a fresh Williams comes back to make an impact in the second half. We’ll see.